If you’ve ever felt apprehensive about an upcoming dental visit then you may be experiencing dental anxiety or phobia. You are not alone however. These very real feelings impact millions of Americans and cause many to delay or put off treatment entirely making their condition worse and leading to even more extensive dental work than would’ve been necessary in the first place.

Our Upper Arlington dentist Dr. Mark A. Miely is certified to ease these anxieties through the use of sedation dentistry so that your smile can be restored to an optimal state of health with very little impact on your senses or psyche. Most patients are apprehensive and hesitant to reach out to their dentist to complete needed dental work due to fears and anxieties about their treatment. Through sedation dentistry, our Upper Arlington dentist is able to help our patients relax and feel more at ease in order to maintain their dental health without any bad experiences. In addition, sedation dentistry allows our dentist to work much quicker, and can make a longer appointment feel much shorter for the patient.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

The term “sedation dentistry” is catchall term for a variety of methods used to help nervous patients relax. Based on the severity of your anxiety and the extensiveness of the treatment you are to undergo, Dr. Miely may recommend one of three possible forms of sedation:

Oral Sedation: Oral sedation is administered in pill form. A variety of single and incremental dose protocols are used to medicate patients, sometimes as early as the day before treatment is to commence. Many patients who have received oral sedation have reported having no memory of the procedure itself. Often times it is these memories of sights, sounds, and smells that trigger phobic reactions in the first place.

IV Sedation: As the name implies, IV or intravenous sedation is administered through the veins. Many patients prefer this method due to the rapid onset of the effects which eases their fears and makes long procedures seem relatively short when compared to undergoing the procedure fully conscious.

Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous oxide is a gas which when inhaled results in feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Also called “laughing gas” nitrous oxide is the gentlest of the three sedation methods described here and is flushed out of the patient’s system with pure oxygen after treatment. Many patients are even able to drive themselves home after treatments where they received nitrous sedation unlike with oral or IV sedation, both of which require you to have a driver to take you home afterwards.

What If I Have Further Questions?

We expect questions and will make every effort to put patients at ease through better understanding. If you have further questions please don’t hesitate to call our office for clarification. Our courteous and compassionate staff are on hand to more fully explain the uses, types, effects, and benefits of sedation dentistry. Contact our Upper Arlington, OH office today for more information or to schedule your appointment. We welcome new patients and look forward to serving you!